Platypus milked in Australia first

Australian Reptile Park makes history.

2017-12-11T00:44:45Z

An Aussie first on the Coast, as Australian Reptile Park reps have milked the first bit of venom from a platypus.

It's now been shipped off to researchers in Sydney, who will study if it has medicinal purposes: The Park says venom from snakes has previously been proven to help out with stroke recovery, and been used to work towards a cure for diabetes.

Scientists don't even know what makes up the toxic substance, secreted from a spur on the leg when males fight.

Reptile Park General Manager Tim Faulkner says he and platypus Yaro got along fine during the process...